Introduction
10. The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) was established as a network of technical partners worldwide to coordinate and provide technical assistance to WHO Member States to respond to public health emergencies.
20. Established in April 2000 with a founding base of 60 institutions, GOARN currently comprises over 270 technical institutions and networks, including academic and research institutes, national public health agencies, nongovernmental organizations, UN agencies and other organizations. GOARN's network of technical institutions provides rapid multi-disciplinary technical support for alert and outbreak response. In addition, GOARN supports Member States through activities conducted in the context of GOARN areas of work.
30. Governance of GOARN is provided by a 21-member Steering Committee (SCOM), comprised of one WHO representative and 20 representatives from GOARN partner institutions.
40. GOARN consists of three main components:
- GOARN, the network of partner institutions
- GOARN Operational Support Team (OST), based in WHO HQ in Geneva, provides operational support and coordinates day-to-day activities of the network
- GOARN Steering Committee (SCOM), a 21-member body, provides leadership and governance for the network
GOARN deployment in countries
50. GOARN support to countries and the subsequent deployment process begins with a GOARN Request for Assistance (RFA), shared with all focal points in GOARN partner institutions. The RFA outlines the required expertise needed for specific outbreak responses. This serves as the basis to submit/collect offers of support from experts in GOARN partner institutions.
60. a GOARN deployment typically lasts 4–8 weeks; longer-term deployments are possible if requested and agreeable by the expert's home institution.
70. For further details on deployment to countries, please refer to the GOARN Operations Manual (version 3.5).
GOARN deployment in WHO HQ and Regional Offices
80. While the primary focus of GOARN activities is to provide technical assistance to countries, at times, GOARN partners are also requested to deploy to WHO HQ to assist WHO teams during emergencies.
90. GOARN experts can be deployed to WHO HQ using a temporary advisor contractual modality. This modality is limited normally to 60 days and can exceptionally be increased up to 90 days in a 180-day timeframe. Deployments to WHO HQ are subject to a needs assessment and approval from the incident manager or department director at WHO HQ.
